A Call From a Prisoner’s Mother

I work in the police department, handling inquiries related to detainees. One day, I received a call from the mother of an inmate.

“My son has the right to receive medical treatment. Please take care of him,” she pleaded.

She was frustrated, saying her son was in need of care but wasn’t being treated. She insisted she wouldn’t hang up until proper action was taken. Her words gave me much to think about. To be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention to the rights of prisoners, who had committed crimes and were awaiting punishment. But despite society’s coldness and rejection, there was someone who refused to give up on them. With a heart full of compassion, this mother was doing all she could to protect her son’s rights.

While verifying her son’s identity, I referred to him as an inmate. At this, she grew quiet and sorrowful, asking me to see her son not as a criminal, but as a person. When I assured her that we would take appropriate action as soon as possible, she seemed relieved. Her once-firm tone gave way to deep gratitude.

That conversation reminded me of another Mother. For the sake of Her children—spiritual prisoners on death row with no rights to claim—our Heavenly Mother rises early each morning and prays for the forgiveness of their sins. She doesn’t regard us merely as sinners but treats us with compassion and dignity. I am deeply grateful for the grace of being seen not as a sinner, but as a precious soul. And since our Heavenly Mother never gave up on someone like me, I will hold fast to God’s word and strive to live a life that reflects Her love.